Rep. McClain Delaney says the cost is estimated at $78-million, and could go higher.
Rep. April McClain Delaney
Frederick, Md (KM) Sixth District Representative April McClain Delaney got a briefing on Thursday from local and state emergency management officials about the flood damage in Western Maryland. She said damage is heavy, and repairs are expected to be very costly. “Lot of infrastructure damage to our waterways, our water infrastructure, electricity, bridges; possibly up to $78 million and it might be more,” she said.;
She said the Federal Emergency Management Agency is on the ground in Western Maryland doing damage assessments. President Trump had talked about abolishing FEMA. “It still functioning and operational. It has not been dismantled. But we do know there are delays and more scrutiny about the money. And we still don’t have finalization on what will be covered,” says McClain Delaney.
“One of the infrastructure issues that I heard about was that there is some sewage being dumped into the Potomac River because of damage, and that’s something that’s got to be repaired sooner rather than later. And it has environmental impacts for the entire state,” McClain Delaney continues. “So I think our whole delegation has to come together to really lift up and have the back for Allegany County.”
Representative McClain Delaney says she and the entire Maryland Congressional Delegation will be fighting to get the funds needed to make repairs. “I think all of us are going to be really bicameral kind of effort to make sure that we get as many federal funds to match up to the state funds,” she said “And that should include calling on our Republican colleague in Maryland,. Andy Harris. because I think it’s really important.”
Congressman Andy Harris represents Maryland’s 1st District which includes Harford and Cecil Counties, and all of he Eastern Shore.
McClain Delaney says federal assistance is needed because the county and municipal government budgets in Western Maryland cannot cover the damage costs. “We need these emergency management administrations and the fire academies, the first responders. We have to make sure there are adequate funds because our state and local budgets just can’t handle ii,” she said.
Residents and business owners in Allegany and Garrett Counties are urged to apply for assistance through the US Small Business Administration. A news release from Congresswoman McClain Delaney’s office says a SBA outreach center is located at First Assembly of God Westernport Activities Center, 203 1st Street. Staff will be available at that location Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, and on Saturdays from 10::00 AM until 2:00 PM.
The SBA can offer Business Physical Disaster Loans, Economic Injury Loans and Home Disaster Loans. McClain Delaney says these are low interest loans.
The Outreach Center will close permanently at 3:00 PM on Friday, June 13th.
Representative McClain Delaney says she has told her staff to look for assistance programs from the US Department of Agriculture for farmers who were affected by the severe flash flooding in Western Maryland.
By Kevin McManus